Lid retention device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for holding a cover of a paint container is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a top, a base, and an intermediate member. The top is configured to engage the cover from a first side. The base is configured to engage the receptacle from a second side that is generally opposite the first side. The intermediate member is coupled to the top and to the base and is configured to maintain the spatial relationship of the top and the base when the top and the base are engaged with the container. The maintenance of the spatial relationship between the top and the base by the intermediate member when the top and the base are engaged with the container stops the cover from moving away from the receptacle during the shaking process.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/549,737, filed on Mar. 2, 2004, entitled “Lid Retention Device,” which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of paint shakers. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices for retaining the lids or covers of paint containers in a closed position when the paint containers are being shaken in a paint shaker.

Paint shaking devices have been used for many years and come in a variety of different types. For example, one type of shaker moves in an up-and-down motion, while another type of shaker moves the paint container in an orbital motion. As the shakers operate, the paint within the container impacts the inside of the cover of the paint container, which tends to force the covers off of the containers or to cause the paint to leak out around the cover if the cover is not properly sealed or maintained in the appropriate position on the container.

Various devices exist that attempt to prevent the cover from coming off during the shaking process or that attempt to maintain the position of the cover on the container to prevent or minimize leakage. However, these devices suffer from a number of shortcomings. Some of these devices are heavy and throw off the balance of the paint shaker. Other devices require significant modification of different parts of the paint shaker in order to be properly installed. Yet other devices include a plurality of moving parts that are frequently jarred loose during the violent shaking operation, which makes the device useless and which can cause damage to the paint shaker. Still other devices cannot be used with certain paint shakers because they take up too much room.

To provide a simple, inexpensive, reliable, and durable lid retention device that would be compatible and easy to use with, and/or install on, existing shaker devices and that would be able to withstand the violent shaking operation would represent a significant advance in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lid retention device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the lid retention device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lid retention device of FIG. 1 shown coupled to a container.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lid retention device according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the lid retention device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lid retention device of FIG. 4 shown coupled to a container.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lid retention device according to another exemplary embodiment shown coupled to a holder.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lid retention device and holder of FIG. 7 illustrating a container within the holder and the lid retention device in the open position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lid retention device and holder of FIG. 7 illustrating a container within the holder and the lid retention device in the closed position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lid retention device according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lid retention device according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a lid retention device according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the lid retention device of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the lid retention device of FIG. 12 shown coupled to a container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a lid or cover retention device 10 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Lid retention device 10 includes a base 12, a stem 14, and a top 16.

Base 12 (e.g., member, finger, arm, flange, foundation, etc.) is a generally flat panel that is intended to contact an underside 18 of a paint container 20 to substantially limit the ability of lid retention device 10 to move toward the top of paint container 20. Base 12 includes an end 22 that gets inserted under paint container 20 and an end 24 that is coupled to stem 14. Paint container 20 may be of the type shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/485,674, filed Jul. 9, 2003, the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, or it may be one of a variety of different types of containers. According to one exemplary embodiment, an upper surface 26 of base 12 includes a tapered portion 28 and a snap portion 30. Tapered portion 28 extends approximately one half the length of base 12 and is configured such that the thickness of base 12 increases from end 22 to a point approximately halfway between end 22 and end 24. Tapered portion 28 is intended to facilitate the insertion of base 12 under receptacle portion 25 of paint container 20. Snap portion 30 comprises a series of one or more peaks 32 and valleys 34 that are intended to mate with one or more corresponding valleys and peaks provided on the underside 18 of paint container 20. The mating of peaks 32 and valleys 34 on snap portion 30 with the valleys and peaks on paint container 20 is intended to releasably engage or snap base 12 with paint container 20 and signify to the user of lid retention device 10 that it is properly coupled to paint container 20. According to one exemplary embodiment, base 12 may be configured to engage a recess in the bottom of container 20 that is configured to mate with or receive base 12. According to various alternative embodiments, the upper surface of the base may be flat or may have one or more of a variety of different shapes or contours to cooperate with one or more of a variety of different containers.

Stem 14 (e.g., shaft, pole, rod, linkage, intermediate portion, etc.) is an elongated, substantially rigid member that includes an end 36 that is coupled to end 34 of base 12 and an end 38 that is coupled to top 16. Stem 14 is coupled to base 12 such that the angle between them is greater than 90°. Stem 14 is coupled to top 16 such that the angle between them is approximately 90°. Stem 14 serves to provide and maintain the spatial relationship and orientation of top 16 and base 12. Stem 14 is generally configured to resist flexing when opposite forces are applied to top 16 and bottom 12, such as those forces that may be applied when lid retention device 10 is coupled to paint container 20 and shaken in a paint shaker.

Proximate end 38, the width of stem 14 gradually increases until stem 14 contacts top 16. This area of increased width forms gussets 40 that extend outwardly from each edge of stem 14, and toward top 16. Gussets 40 are configured to provide additional strength and rigidity to the coupling point between top 16 and stem 14. The additional strength and rigidity provided by gussets 40 helps to maintain the angle between stem 14 and top 16 when lid retention device 10 is exposed to the stresses that occur when paint container 20 is shaken in a paint shaker.

Top 16 (e.g., annulus, ring, disk, etc.) is a generally flat, circular ring that is configured to rest on a ledge 42 provided on a lid or cover 44 (e.g., cover portion) of paint container 20. An aperture 46 is provided in the center of top 16 to allow a raised region 48 of cover 44 to pass through aperture 46 so that a bottom surface 50 of top 16 can rest against ledge 42. According to various alternative embodiments, the top may take any one of a variety of different shapes and sizes. For example, the top may be generally “U-shaped,” rectangular, triangular, octagonal, or one of a variety of other shapes. Moreover, the top may be configured to contact the ledge of the cover continuously or intermittently. Furthermore, the top may be configured to be coupled to covers having a variety of different shapes and configurations.

To couple lid retention device 10 to paint container 20, top 16 is placed on cover 44 such that raised region 48 passes through aperture 46 of top 16. Base 12 is then slid underneath receptacle portion 25 of container 20. When coupled to container 20, stem 14 is intended to generally contact a wall of container 20 so that lid retention device 10 does not extend significantly beyond the outline of container 20 and prevent container 20 from fitting into the paint shaker. Bottom surface 50 of top 16 is intended to be parallel to, and generally contact, ledge 42 of cover 44 to provide a substantially uniform downward force around the circumference of ledge 42. The proximity of top 16 to the actual location at which cover 44 seals against receptacle 25 helps to ensure that the seal between cover 44 and receptacle 25 is maintained. End 22 of base 12 is generally spaced apart from the underside 18 of container 20 (due at least in part to the greater than 90° angle at which base 12 is coupled to stem 14) so that one desiring to remove lid retention device 10 may grasp onto end 22 to slide base 12 out from underneath container 20.

According to various alternative embodiments, the lid retention device may be integrally formed as a single unitary body, or may be made up of two or more separate pieces. Moreover, the lid retention device may be adapted to be used with one or more of a variety of different types of containers and/or covers in a variety of different environments and applications.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lid retention device is made from an 11-gage metal. According to various alternative embodiments, the lid retention device may be made from one or more of a variety of different materials having one of a variety of different gages. Such materials may include various metals, steel, spring steel, polymers, elastomers, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, a lid retention device 110 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Lid retention device 110 includes a base 112, a stem 114, and a top 116 and is substantially similar to lid retention device 10. Due to the similarities, only those features of lid retention device 110 that differ from lid retention device 10 will be described.

Base 112 and base 12 are generally the same, except that base 112 includes an upper surface that has a different taper/snap configuration. Stem 114 and stem 14 are generally the same except that stem 114 is slightly longer than stem 14 to provide the appropriate spatial relationship between base 112 and top 116 to allow top 116 to rest on the top, or upper surface, of raised region 48 rather than on ledge 42 of cover 44. Stem 114 also generally extends from base 112 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees rather than at an angle greater than 90 degrees.

Top 116 is also similar to top 16, except that top 116 includes an aperture 146 that has a smaller diameter than aperture 46. More specifically, the diameter of aperture 146 is smaller than the greatest diameter of raised region 48 of cover 44 to prevent raised region 48 from extending through top 116. According to an alternative embodiment, the top may not include an aperture. According to other alternative embodiments, the top may take any one of a variety of different shapes and sizes. According to other alternative embodiments, the top may continuously press against the upper surface of the raised region or the top may intermittently press (such as through the use of fingers or legs) against the upper surface of the raised region.

Lid retention device 110 is coupled to container 20 in substantially the same way that lid retention device 10 is coupled to container 20. The only significant difference is that when lid retention device 110 is coupled to container 20, top 116 rests on an upper surface 52 of raised region 48 of cover 44 rather than on ledge 42.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, a lid retention device 200 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Lid retention device 200 includes a retention assembly 202 and a stop assembly 204.

Retention assembly 202 includes a bracket 206, a top 208, and a spring 210. Bracket 206 (e.g., beam, brace, support, etc.) is a generally rigid member that couples to a holder 212. Bracket 206 includes a distal end 214 that extends slightly above the top of holder 212. According to one exemplary embodiment, holder 212 is the holder generally used in paint shaker Model No. 5300D commercially available from Red Devil Equipment Company of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. According to various exemplary and alternative embodiments, the bracket may be coupled to the holder through the use of various fasteners (such as bolts, rivets, snaps) and/or other conventional coupling techniques or methods (such as welding or soldering) and may require little or no modification of the holder.

Top 208 is pivotably coupled to distal end 214 of bracket 206 in such a manner that allows top 208 to pivot between a closed or locked position (in which top 208 contacts cover 44 of container 20 when container 20 is placed within holder 212, see FIG. 7) and an open position (in which top 208 is pivoted to a position that allows container 20 to be removed from holder 212, see FIG. 6).

Top 208 includes a ring 218, a tab 216, and a tab 220. Ring 218 is a generally circular panel or plate that has an aperture 222 extending therethrough. Aperture 222 has a diameter that is slightly larger than the greatest diameter of raised region 48 of cover 44 to allow ring 218 to rest against ledge 42 of cover 44 when top 208 is in the closed position.

Tab 216 extends outwardly from the side of ring 218. The distal end of tab 216 is pivotally coupled to distal end 214 of bracket 206. According to one exemplary embodiment, tab 216 is pivotably coupled to bracket 206 through the use of a shaft 224. A spring shown as coil spring 210 is provided on shaft 224 and biases top 208 toward the open position. According to other various and exemplary alternative embodiments, other types of conventionally known pivot connections may be used to allow tab 216 to pivot around distal end 214 of bracket 206. According to various alternative embodiments, other types and varieties of springs may be used to bias top 208 toward the open position. According to still other alternative and exemplary embodiments, a spring may be excluded from retention assembly 202 so that top 208 is not biased toward either position.

Tab 220 extends outwardly from a side of ring 218 that is generally opposite the side from which tab 216 extends. Rather than extending straight out from the side of ring 218 like tab 216, tab 220 is angled slightly upward so that a distal end 226 of tab 220 is above ring 218 when top 208 is in the closed position. According to one exemplary embodiment, the angle at which tab 220 extends outwardly increases near distal end 226. Tab 220 includes a slot 228 that extends inwardly from distal end 226 toward ring 218. Slot 228 is configured to receive a portion of stop assembly 204. According to various alternative and exemplary embodiments, the angle at which tab 220 extends outwardly may be constant or may vary over the length of tab 220.

Stop assembly 204 (e.g., latch assembly, lock, coupler, etc.), includes a base portion 230 and a stopper or handle portion 232. Based portion 230 (e.g., cord, band, etc.) is an elongated and stretchable resilient member that includes an end 234 and an end 236. End 234 is coupled to holder 212 in a manner that allows base portion 230 to increase in length upon the application of a force. According to various alternative and exemplary embodiments, base portion 230 is coupled to holder 212 through the use of one or more various fasteners (such as bolts, rivets, snaps) and/or other conventional coupling techniques or methods and may require little or no modification of holder 212.

Stopper or handle portion 232 (e.g., handle, grip, end cover, etc.) is coupled to end 236 of base portion 230 and is intended to serve as both a stopper and a handle. According to an exemplary embodiment, stopper or handle portion 232 is generally the ring shaped. The ring shape serves as an effective stop that prevents tab 220 from sliding off the end of base portion 230 (this is described in more detail below) as well as a handle that facilitates the ability of a user to stretch base portion 230. According to various alternative and exemplary embodiments, the stopper or handle portion may take any one of a variety of different shapes, sizes, and configurations. For example, the stopper or handle portion may be a straight bar or beam that is coupled to the base portion such that the bar is perpendicular to the base portion. According to other various alternative and exemplary embodiments, the stopper or handle portion may be made from one or more of a variety of different materials including metal, steel, various polymers or ceramics, wood, or a number of other suitable materials.

In operation, top portion 208 is initially located in the open position due to the bias provided by spring 210. While top portion 208 is in the open position, container 20 can be inserted into holder 212. Once container 20 is inserted into holder 212, top portion 208 can be pivoted toward container 20 until ring 218 rests on ledge 42 of cover 44 (i.e., until top portion 208 reaches the closed position.) Once top portion 208 is in the closed portion, a user of the paint shaker can grasp handle 232 and apply a force to extend base portion 230 a sufficient distance to allow handle 232 to be raised above distal end 226 of tab 220. Handle 232 can then be moved toward the center of top portion 208, so that base portion 230 moves into slot 228 of tab 220. Once handle 232 is released, the force applied by resilient base portion 230 provides a downward force to top portion 208, which holds cover 44 in place while container 20 is being shaken in the paint shaker. The incline of tab 220 helps to minimize the likelihood that stop assembly 204 will become disengaged with top portion 208 during the shaking process.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, lid retention devices 310 and 311 are shown according to an exemplary embodiments. Each of lid retention devices 310 and 311 includes a body portion 312 and a coupling portion 318.

Body portion 312 (e.g., strap, member, etc.) is an at least partially elastic band that is configured to be coupled to holder 212. Body portion 312 includes an end 314 and an end 316 that are configured to be coupled to opposite sides of holder 212 with little or no modification to holder 212. According to various alternative and exemplary embodiments, ends 314 and 316 may be coupled to holder 212 through the use of various fasteners (such as bolts, rivets, snaps, etc.) and/or other conventional coupling techniques or methods. According to other exemplary and alternative embodiments, body portion 312 may be configured to couple to holder 212 in such a way that requires no to holder 212 to be modified.

Coupling portion 318 (e.g., ring, annulus, etc.) is a generally ring-shaped structure that is coupled to body portion 312 in two places such that a handle or loop 319 is formed on one side of coupling portion 318 and ends 314 and 316 of body portion 312 are located on the other side of coupling portion 318. The opening in the center of coupling portion 318 has a diameter that is at least slightly larger than the greatest diameter of raised portion 48 of cover 44. This opening allows coupling portion 318 to engage or contact ledge 42 of cover 44. According to various alternative and exemplary embodiments, the coupling portion may have any one of a variety of different shapes, sizes, and configurations. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the coupling portion may be circular (like body portion 318 b), rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, or one of a variety of other different shapes (like body portion 318 a). According to other various alternative and exemplary embodiments, the coupling portion may be configured to contact the upper surface of raised region 48 rather than ledge 42, and may or may not include an opening in the center. According to still other various alternative and exemplary embodiments, the coupling portion may be made from one or more of a variety of different materials including various metals, various polymers, various ceramics, wood, or other suitable materials.

In operation, lid retention devices 310 and 311 extend over the top of holder 212. When a user desires to insert container 20 into holder 212, the user moves lid retention device 310 or 311 out of the way and inserts container 20 into holder 212. To facilitate moving lid retention device 310 or 311 out of the way, body portion 312 may include one or more notches or regions having a narrower width than other portions of body portion 312. Once container 20 is inserted into holder 212, a user pulls on handle 319 and stretches body portion 312 a sufficient amount to allow coupling portion 318 to be placed on ledge 42 of cover 44. The resilient or elastic nature of body portion 312 applies a downward force on cover 44 that helps to minimize any leakage that may occur during the paint shaking process.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, a lid retention device 410 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Lid retention device 410 includes a base 412, a stem 414, and a top 416 and is substantially similar to lid retention device 110. Due to the similarities, only those features of lid retention device 410 that differ from lid retention device 110 will be described.

Base 412 and base 112 are generally the same, except that base 412 does not include a tapered portion. Rather, base 412 has an upper surface that is substantially flat. Stem 414 and stem 114 also are generally the same, except that stem 414 does not include any gussets that extend between stem 414 and top 416. The primary difference between top 416 and top 116 relate to their shapes. Unlike top 116, which is a generally circular disk or ring that is configured to contact the upper surface of raised region 48 around its entire circumference (at least near the periphery of raised region 48), top 416 is a generally rectangular member that extends across a diameter of raised region 48 and contacts the upper surface of raised region 48 generally at only two points on the circumference of raised region 48. Top 416 also extends over the center of raised region 48 whereas top 116 includes an aperture in the location where it would extend over the center of raised region 48.

Base 412, step 414, and top 416 are each generally elongated, rectangular members and have substantially the same thickness and width. According to one exemplary embodiment, lid retention device 410 is constructed from a single piece of metal or other suitable material that is bent of otherwise formed into a “c” shaped structure. According to other exemplary and alternative embodiments, lid retention device 410 may be form or constructed in one or more of a variety of different ways using one of more of a variety of different techniques. According to other alternative and exemplary embodiments, the top may include an aperture. According to other alternative embodiments, the top may take any one of a variety of different shapes and sizes.

According to various alternative and exemplary embodiments, each of the lid retention devices may be used with one or more of a variety of different holders and/or paint shaker devices, including, in particular, orbital paint shaker devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, each of the lid retention devices is configured to be used with a shaker Model No. 5300D that is commercially available from Red Devil Equipment Company of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. According to other various alternative and exemplary embodiments, one or more of the lid retention devices may be configured to be used with one or more of a variety of different containers and/or covers that are adapted for use in a variety of different environments and situations.

Each of the lid retention devices described above is intended to maintain the closed and sealed position of the cover or lid of a paint container as the paint container is shaken in a paint shaker. During the shaking process, paint may be forced against the bottom of the cover, which tends to push the cover off of the container and/or cause leakage. This is particularly troublesome when the cover is not properly placed on the container, such as when the cover is cross-threaded onto the container. The lid retention devices described above help to minimize any leakage that may occur during the shaking process. These devices are configured such that they are lightweight and do not significantly affect the balance of the paint shaker. The devices are also easy to install and generally do not interfere with the operation of existing shaker equipment. They also tend to minimize any customization that is required in order to allow them to be used with existing shaker components. Moreover, these devices minimize the number of moving parts that are utilized and thereby help to reduce the likelihood that any parts may fail, loosen, or come apart during the shaking operation. These devices also represent a relatively simple, reliable, durable, and inexpensive way to minimize leakage that may occur during the shaking process. Furthermore, the bias of lid retention device 200 toward an open position that would not allow the paint shaker to operate helps to ensure that the lid retention device is properly used during the shaking operation by essentially making it possible to operate the paint shaker only when the lid retention device is in the closed, or properly coupled, position. The use of the lid retention devices helps to ensure that a safe and clean environment is maintained for the users of the paint shaker.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the lid retention device as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, orientations, and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces (e.g. clamps, fasteners, tabs and stops, etc.) may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the length or width or other dimensions of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures and combinations. It should also be noted that the lid retention device may be used in association with any of a wide variety of containers and covers in any of a wide variety of applications. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions. 

1. An apparatus for holding a cover of a paint container to a receptacle of the paint container during the process of shaking the paint container, the cover being removable from the receptacle in a first direction, the apparatus comprising: a top configured to engage the cover from a first side; a base configured to engage the receptacle from a second side, the second side being generally opposite the first side; and an intermediate member coupled to the top and to the base and configured to maintain the spatial relationship of the top and the base when the top and the base are engaged with the container; wherein the maintenance of the spatial relationship between the top and the base by the intermediate member when the top and the base are engaged with the container stops the cover from moving in the first direction during the shaking process.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the intermediate member is resilient.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top is a ring having an aperture configured to receive a portion of the cover.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base comprises at least one of a tapered portion and a snap portion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the angle between the intermediate member and the base is greater than 90 degrees.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the angle between the intermediate member and the base is approximately 90 degrees.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the intermediate member is configured to adjoin the receptacle when the top and the base are engaged with the container.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover includes a raised region and wherein the top is configured to engage the upper surface of the raised region.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the intermediate member urges the top and the base toward one another.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base is a holder.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top, the intermediate member, and the base are configured to fit within a holder configured to hold the paint container during the shaking process.
 12. An apparatus for coupling to a base for holding a paint container during a shaking process, the base configured to prevent the movement of the paint container in at least a first direction, the paint container including a receptacle for storing the paint and a removable cover for covering the receptacle, the cover being removable from the receptacle in a second direction generally opposite the first direction, the apparatus comprising: a top configured to engage the cover from the second direction; an intermediate portion coupled to the top and configured to be coupled to the base, the intermediate portion being configured to restrain the movement of the top in the second direction when the intermediate portion is coupled to the base; wherein the restrained movement of the top when the intermediate portion is coupled to the base substantially stops the cover from moving in the second direction during the shaking process.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the intermediate member comprises a bracket and a latch assembly.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the top is pivotably coupled to the bracket and wherein the top pivots between a closed position and an open position.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the latch assembly releasably locks the top in the closed position.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the top is biased toward the open position.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the top comprises a ring configured to engage a recess extending around the periphery of the cover.
 18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the intermediate member is a resilient member.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the resilient member extends over the top to form a handle.
 20. A device for retaining the cover of a container in a fully closed position while the container is being shaken, the device comprising: a base portion configured to be coupled to a first portion of the container; a top portion oriented generally parallel to the base portion and configured to be coupled to a second portion of the container, the top portion being spaced apart from the base portion by a distance that corresponds to the distance between the first portion of the container and the second portion of the container when the cover is in a fully closed position; and an intermediate portion coupled between the base portion and the top portion; wherein the intermediate portion is configured to maintain the spatial relationship and the relative orientations of the base portion and the top portion when the base portion and the top portion are coupled to the container to stop the cover from moving out of the fully closed position while the container is being shaken. 